Goa, July 1 -- A family that left New York City behind for a quieter life in rural Italy says they have no plans to return to the United States permanently after finding financial freedom and a better work-life balance.

Cassandra Tresl, her husband and their daughter relocated to Italy in 2023 after purchasing a home in the Abruzzo region for just 11,500 euros, roughly $13,000. The decision came after the couple struggled with New York's soaring living costs and realised owning a home in the city seemed increasingly unrealistic.

The family had been paying nearly $2,000 each month in rent before deciding to explore opportunities abroad. Becoming parents during the pandemic encouraged them to rethink their priorities and search for a life...